Pemphis acidula (Philippine Bantigue) is a plant species found in tropical and sub tropical countries like Philippines. In some region of the world they are often referred to as shrubs; nevertheless in our country they are considered trees. They grow as tall as ordinary mango tree. They are hard and strong that can withstand / tolerate the hertile/ inclement focus of nature. They can grow fast and develop new roots quickly. Their physical features especially the hard rugged and coarse trunks are brought about by strong winds and tower-like waves that rush to the reefs where the Pemphis grow. With the advent of summer, the change of weather promotes the growth of the trees; hence they become good bonsai materials. This is the most opportune time for hunters to get them from their natural habitat. But shelled/ expert hunters prefer to climb the steep sided of the cliff, they can choose from the century-old Bantigue trees the best bonsai material that both live and dead branches.

The picture below shows the hunters digging the trees up in the stiff cliff.

The writer’s risky and painstaking venture of Bantigue hunting in Fuga, Dalupiri and Calayan Islands’ wilderness were indeed memorable in his life. The tiresome long journey to those islands and the fearful sea experience were all forgotten when he arrived in Tarlac City with selected bonsai materials. He tended them for a year in a very limited space in his front and backyards until he decided to transfer to Parsolingan, Gerona where he found a bigger space for his growing bonsai trees.

Now, after five years of constant and continued loving care and passion in fostering his bonsai trees, he can say with great candor and pride that his industry coupled with patience pays. His concern for his trees was never dampened; he does his daily routine from daybreak to dusk in maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of his garden. “The end justifies the means”, the saying goes. He and his family are happy to see people in all walks of life- young and old, rich or poor, coming to his Bonsai Garden and gaze with awe, and appreciation for his trees with health and lush green foliage. Everybody enjoys the cool and invigorating environment radiated by the “Once Wild Bonsai turned City/Urban Ornamental Trees.”

SEASONAL CARE FOR BANTIGUE BONSAI

As a bonsai growing hobbyist and enthusiast, I have experienced many “ups-and-downs” in caring for my trees. At the start, I didn’t have adequate knowledge and skills about this hobby. I was discouraged and almost lost hope when many of my materials did not grow healthy; some dried up then consequently died. Thru many researches made, I eventually read and came up with some horticulturist’s ways and practices. I applied them to my trees and found a great improvement in their growth. These are the following:

A. Watering

Some trees need more water.

Sometimes, watering depends on the weather conditions too. During sunny days, there’s a need to water the trees more than once.

Schedule of watering (for Bantigue Only)

July – February: Twice a day (9:00-10:00 AM; 3:00-4:00 PM)

March – June: Three times a day (7:00-8:00 AM; 12:00-1:00 PM; 3:00-4:00 PM)

B. Prevention of Plant Pests: Use of Chemicals (Pesticides)

To avoid aphids and other plant pests spray SEVIN on the leaves, branches and trunk once a month. During rainy or cold season, twice a month spraying is advisable. Daily inspection of the trees early morning and late afternoon is suggested to see and remove worms in the leaves if ever there are.

C. Use of Fertilizers (Feeding)

Before applying inorganic fertilizers, make sure the trees are healthy.

Schedule of applying Fertilizers:

Twice a month (every 15^th and 30th)

Every midmonth: Use 21-0-0

End of the month: Use 14-14-14

Note: Do not combine the two fertilizers.

Use ¼ teaspoon (tsp.) for medium-sized tree

½ teaspoon for big tree

D. Apply rock salt on the soil once a month to maintain/simulate their salty natural habitat.

1 tablespoon (tbsp.) for small tree

2 tablespoon for medium-sized tree

3 tablespoon for big tree

Caution: Do not apply too much salt or fertilizer; the trees will die.

During cold months in the Philippines (November to February), If possible spray sea water at night once a week. This adds to the “healthy-look” of the Bantigue and keeps the leaves thick, glossy and deep green color.

Soil Suited for Bonsai Growing:

When I started my hobby, I thought the combination of garden soil, mountain soil and humus is best for my small bonsai plants. But I failed. The soil hardened and the plants didn’t grow healthy. Then I tried garden soil with rice bran. Again, it didn’t work. For the last time, I used river sand and small pebbles or gravel for my bonsai. This gave me a good result. I saw the difference in the growth of my previous plants. I realized that I performed experiments using the Trial and Error method. From that time on, I practiced using the 3^rd time soil combination to my new small bonsai plants. Sand (Type S1) which is ground rocks have spaces in between that keeps the roots free to generate and lets the water drain easily at the same time; that makes it the best medium for bonsai trees to grow.

Bantigue has a long life span. With constant proper care and attention, this species can be passed on and handed down from generation to generation.

Preserving Driftwood:

Apply lime sulfur twice a year, preferably before and after rainy season. (April/May; Nov./Dec)

Before applying lime sulfur, clean the trunk and branches of a tree with a toothbrush and a 10% solution of detergent/bar soap (organic soap) and water. For me, I use the common detergent bar soap and found it effective. Insects and worms are sensitive to the chemical composition of the soap.

Prepare a solution of lime sulfur with 50% water (concentrated lime sulfur makes the driftwood look yellowish); the diluted solution makes the appearance of the driftwood more natural. Shake the solution well before using. Use a small paint brush.

Natural driftwood on the coral stone at part of Batanes island.

Re-potting Bantigue:

Changing pot may be required if the pot is not match with the tree. Another reason is if your tree is quite old in one pot.

Best time for re-potting your Bantigue is during rainy season but the tree has to be at least 2/3 years in training and healthy. Before you re-pot make sure of curving driftwood if necessary and wiring. Remove as much as 70% of leaves while wiring Bantigue. After re-potting Bantigue, the tree must be under the full shade one month then next month morning sunlight only. Re-potting of Bantigue natural growth of the tree will stop for several months and never use fertilizer or rock salt until you can see their normal growth. Sometimes a tree may require 5 to 6 months to have normal growth. Patience is must.

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